Using Austrian and Danish administrative data, we examine the impacts of parenthood on mental health. Parenthood … imposes a greater mental health burden on mothers than on fathers. It creates a long-run gender gap in antidepressant … prescriptions of about 93.2% (Austria) and 64.8% (Denmark). These parenthood penalties in mental health are unlikely to reflect …

Maternity leave policies are presumed to be essential to ensure the health of pregnant workers and their unborn … children's health at birth, subsequent maternal health and fertility, and longterm human capital outcomes of children. Our …